Page 776 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

undergone successful surgery.

VetBooks.ir PREVENTION
•
Avoid sudden dietary changes. Make any changes to the feed gradually over a period of
two weeks.

• Use only fresh, good quality food. Discard anything that is mouldy or suspect.
• Do not work the horse for at least an hour after feeding, or feed immediately following

strenuous work.

• Have your horse’s teeth inspected regularly.
• Worm your horse. Faecal worm egg counts and blood or saliva tests to detect tapeworm

can be used as a guide to how often it is necessary, together with advice from your vet.

• Make sure fresh water is always available.
• Know your horse well, so you can tell if it is off colour. If in doubt, keep it under close

observation.

Unfortunately, despite excellent management and meticulous care, many horses will

experience a bout of colic. When it does occur, prompt treatment and close monitoring of the
horse are essential.

DIARRHOEA

Diarrhoea may be defined as the passage of faeces with a higher water content than normal.
In most horses, the faeces consist of firm balls that break on contact with the ground. Those

of a horse with diarrhoea may resemble a sloppy cow pat or pour out like dirty water.
Diarrhoea may be mild and self-limiting or serious and life-threatening. It can be sudden or
gradual in onset.

Causes

The causes include the following.

• Excitement or nervousness.

• Sudden dietary changes, e.g. access to lush grass or a change of hay.
• Grain overload, e.g. if a pony gains access to the feed store – with the additional risk of

laminitis.